Toodyay accommodation from AU$135

Toodyay was settled in the 19th century and is famous for being the town where troublesome bushranger Moondyne Joe (Western Australia's most infamous bushranger) was imprisoned. If you're here in May you'll enjoy the Moondyne Festival, which celebrates the colourful history of the town in honour of the bushranger. During the festivities, the townspeople dress up in costumes and cause a stir in the town. There are plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy, especially in the Old Gaol.

The name Toodyay comes from an Aboriginal word meaning ‘place of plenty’. Amid the beautiful landscape of Toodyay there sure is plenty to do. Go on a Boshack Outback tour and visit the nostalgic displays of the days of the first Aussie pioneers, as well as indigenous artefacts and replicas. Call in to Connor's Mill, which was a flour mill built in 1870, and is now a museum for the town. You can also visit the local alpaca farm and emu farm, which is the world's oldest emu farm. Toodyay's Duidgee Park offers a fun day out, with picnic grounds, barbeques, a playground and the miniature railway.

Fitness fanatics will love the sports and activities on offer in Toodyay. There's tennis, cricket, hockey, skate parks, football and lawn bowls, as well as archery. You can go for a hike along the Bilya Walking Track or, if you're really brave, participate in the world's longest white-water race, the Avon Descent, held annually on the Avon River. There's also the Toodyay Picnic Races, held each September/October, at the Northam Racecourse. If shopping is more your style, Toodyay has many emporiums and gift shops selling unique items, such as pottery, jewellery, homewares, wax candles, cast iron products, antique furniture, alpaca products and organic local produce. Drop by for a bite to eat at one of the pubs, old-fashioned tea rooms, or the retro 50s style Cola Cafe. Before heading home, make sure you pick up a bottle of wine at Coorinja Vineyard or some organic olives from Esslemont Estate or the Place of Plenty olive grove.

Toodyay is 85km east of Perth. You can catch a train from the Perth airport, but it's best to hire a car to get around Toodyay. While you're in the region, the Chittering Valley is well worth visiting. It is most famous for its wine trail, plus its bushlands, wetlands, orchards and wildflowers. For a relaxing holiday in this historical Western Australian town, check out our cheap flights to Perth and don't forget to book your Toodyay accommodation below!